Patience makes first public appearance after medical trip

Mrs. Patience Jonathan

Wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, on Thursday made her first public appearance since she returned to the country on Friday allegedly from a medical trip to Germany.

She joined her husband and top government officials to receive the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, Mr. Donald Tusk, and his wife, Malgorzata, at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Tusk is on a two-day visit to the country.

Mrs. Jonathan, who looked radiant throughout the brief ceremony,  dressed in a yellow, purple and brown gown (boubou) with a purple head tie to match.

While Tusk was inspecting the guard of honour mounted by men of the Presidential Guards Brigade, Mrs. Jonathan engaged the wife of the Polish leader in discussions.

The two women retired into the President’s office with their spouses after the ceremony.

About 30 minutes later, Mrs. Jonathan again came out with her Polish counterpart.

After seeing the guest off to her car, the President’s wife returned into the President’s office from where she left for her residence.

While returning to the office, Mrs. Jonathan amid a radiant smile, acknowledged greetings from journalists by waving at them.

Since she returned to the country on Friday, Mrs. Jonathan has not been sighted in  public.

She was absent at the third Presidential Breakfast Prayer at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa on Saturday.

The event had in attendance members of the diplomatic corps, some governors, ministers, traditional rulers and members of the clergy among others.

One of her aides, who pleaded anonymity, had told our correspondent that she did not attend the event because she was resting after the rigours of the long trip.

Mrs. Jonathan was also absent at the last Sunday service at the Aso Villa Chapel.

While away, there was widespread speculation that she was again flown abroad to attend to her alleged failing health.

The Presidency however issued a statement debunking the claim.

Her media aide, Ayo Osinlu, in the statement, said she was abroad to attend to her ailing mother, Mama Sisi and to spend “quality time” with her children who were holidaying.



-- Punch